It’s 6 March, and that means it’s time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today, we’re taking a look back at three prominent events that went down on this day in history:

1921 – Skirting the Issue

Ever since the dawn of time (or at least the dawn of clothing), the length of skirts has been the subject of much debate. Skirt lengths have varied dramatically throughout history, influenced by social norms, fashion trends and even political movements.

In the 1920s, women – especially in the United States of America – embraced a newfound sense of freedom and individuality, whether by swapping long dresses for short dresses, bobbing their hair, or displaying personalities considered too boisterous by the older generation. This also included wearing skirts that rose higher than the ankle and even dared to rest at the knee.

At the beginning of this glamorous decade, many folks disapproved of this shift in fashion. In the town of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, residents were particularly vocal about their discontent, leading the chief of police to issue an edict on skirt lengths on 6 March 1921.

Per a newspaper article written at the time: “The chief of police in Sunbury, Pa., has issued an edict requiring women to wear skirts at least four inches [10 centimetres] below the knee. The chief was driven to this decision following a dozen complaints from town residents.

“They expressed dismay over the sight of two women traversing the streets who had the lace on their skirts too distant from their ankles. The chief had sent some policemen in search of the offenders, but they returned empty-handed. Sunbury is one of several towns that object to exaggeratedly abbreviated fashions.”

Suffice it to say, skirt lengths are far more relaxed nowadays than they were during this period, as are modern opinions on other “exaggeratedly abbreviated fashions”. Still, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue surrounding fashion, self-expression and societal norms.

1945 – Bouncing into Being

On 6 March 1945, George Nissen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa patented the modern trampoline, leaving a lasting legacy in gymnastics.

Nissen’s fascination with gymnastics began at the age of 16 during a circus visit in 1930. Inspired by aerialists landing on safety nets, he envisioned a bouncing contraption in their place.

While studying at the University of Iowa, Nissen developed a “tumbling device” with coach Larry Griswold, fashioning a prototype from iron, canvas and rubber springs. After a successful tour of his invention in Mexico, he adopted the name “trampoline” from the Spanish word “el trampolín”, meaning “diving board”. In 1941, Nissen founded the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company.

During World War II, the US military utilised trampolines for pilot training, enhancing their spatial awareness. Nissen received a total of 45 patents for his invention, promoting its benefits worldwide.

Trampolining became an official Olympic sport in 2000, fulfilling Nissen’s lifelong dream. His daughter, Dian, a national trampoline champion, continues to celebrate his legacy through coaching.

Nissen passed away in 2010 at the age of 96, but his influence on gymnastics and fitness endures, with trampolining now a popular activity enjoyed by many, be it for exercise, competitive sport or fun!

1964 – The Birth of Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay in 1942, is renowned as one of history’s most famous boxers. At just 18, he secured a gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

During this period, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining increasing momentum throughout America. This surge in activism contributed to the rising popularity of the Nation of Islam (NOI), a 30-year-old religious organisation that embraced Black nationalist ideals.

Initially, the NOI rejected Clay’s first bid for membership, doubting that he was fit for their disciplined lifestyle. However, upon becoming heavyweight champion for the first time in February 1964, the group welcomed him.

After winning this championship, Clay announced his conversion to Islam, declaring, “Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn’t choose it and I don’t want it.”

He briefly adopted the name Cassius X before legally changing it to Muhammad Ali on 6 March 1964: “I am Muhammad Ali, a free name – it means ‘Beloved of God.’”

From then on, Ali became a prominent figure not only in the world of sports, but also as a voice for social justice and civil rights. His conversion to Islam and name change marked a pivotal moment in his life, symbolising his rejection of a society that he felt oppressed African Americans.